BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, July 3, 2017 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The Team Unity Government’s efforts in building the capacity of the National Audit Office and successfully rolling out of the Ministry of National Security’s Crime Reduction Strategy were supported in a meaningful way by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) through a financial donation.

During a brief ceremony at Government Headquarters today, Monday, July 3, 2017, the Taiwanese Government, through its Resident Ambassador, His Excellency George Gow Wei Chiou, presented two cheques to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.

In making the presentation, Ambassador Chiou noted that the National Audit Office plays an integral role in the proper functioning of the Government, particularly as it relates to the issue of accountability.

Acting Director of Audit, Mrs. Carla Pike, expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for assisting the capacity building initiative being undertaken by her department.

“We recognize that good governance and accountability and transparency are just as important to you as it is to us, and we guarantee you that these funds will be used to carry out the mandate of the National Audit Office,” said Mrs. Pike.

The Taiwanese ambassador also commended the Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris-led Administration on its recent investments in National Security, which he says are already paying dividends. Ambassador Chiou pointed to the increase in foot and vehicle patrols by law enforcement agencies, adding that “these things can help keep the people feeling safe.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Osmond Petty, explained that the funds donated by the Taiwanese Government will go towards the social intervention component of the National Crime Reduction Strategy.

“We have produced a strategy which engages all our stakeholders, private and public sector, in the fight against crime,” stated Mr. Petty. “We intend to intensify our activities in the schools, in the communities around St. Kitts and Nevis, working with parents, working with children [and] working with gang members to try and help them on a path which is away from crime, and so the funds which we are receiving would assist us greatly in building out our programmes and generally assisting in reducing crime.”

Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris also recorded his sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for once again demonstrating its commitment to assisting with the development of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Prime Minister Harris said the needs of the National Audit Office were outlined by Director Pike shortly after she assumed office and he is now pleased that those needs were addressed in a short space of time.

Dr. Harris continued by saying, “Government has a mandate that relates to accountability and good governance and this is critical in providing the kind of oversight necessary in ensuring that the resources that have been allocated, by law are being appropriately applied.”

The prime minister went further to say that the support given to the National Crime Reduction Strategy will go a long way in helping the Government achieve its goal of making St. Kitts and Nevis the safest small island state.

“I note that the ambassador commended the new visibility of the police…on the streets. This is something that we hope will always be there and that there will be consistency in providing the kind of assurances which the public notes and appreciates. And so, National Security and the successes related thereto are critical to the government being able to provide the prosperity which we have promised the people.”

The cheques presented were signed by Ambassador Chiou on behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and by Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr. Calvin Edwards, on behalf of the St. Kitts and Nevis Government.